“Can I get you a cup of tea or coffee?” The woman managed to make a flannel shirt and jeans look fashionable. Her long, gray braid made her look older than she actually was. Her pretty heart-shaped face told the true story—that she was closer to fifty than sixty.

“I’d love some coffee, thank you.” Clare rubbed her hands together vigorously. She hadn’t realized how cold and out of breath she was and had to be careful not to push herself too hard. The last thing she wanted was a setback in her recovery.

“There you are.” The woman pointed to a cream and sugar station. “Help yourself.”

“Thank you. Your shop is adorable. I could spend a whole day sitting in front of that fire with a good book.”

“Feel free to do just that any time you’d like to. I’m Beatrice Simmons, but everyone calls me Bea.”

Clare shook her hand. “Clare Harrington.”

“Nice to meet you. I don’t think I’ve seen you in here before.”

“This is my second day in Stowe.”

“Oh! Welcome! Do you like it so far?”

“I love it. Everyone’s been so friendly.”

“That’s Stowe. You couldn’t have found a friendlier town to visit. Will you be here long?”

“I’m planning on three months, maybe a little longer. I’m having some work done on a house, and my stay will depend on how long that takes.” She told Bea about her brother’s house.

“Have you hired anyone yet?”

“Diana at McHugh’s recommended Aidan O’Malley. Do you know him?”

Bea chuckled. “Oh, yes, I know him. He’s a bit of a local celebrity.”

Her curiosity piqued, Clare said, “A celebrity? Diana didn’t mention that.”

“Let’s just wait and see what you think of him when you meet him,” Bea said with a twinkle in her eye. “You’ll have to come back and let me know.”

Clare smiled. “That’s one way to guarantee a return visit by a potential customer.”

“You aren’t looking for a job by any chance, are you?”

“Not really. Why? What do you need?”

“I’m desperately seeking some holiday help, a few hours here and there during the crunch periods.”

The idea struck Clare as ideal. Working part-time would be a great way to meet people, and it would get her out of the house. She made an impulse decision. “I’ll take it.”

“You will? Really?”

“I’d love to—but on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“I don’t want you to pay me. I don’t need the money, but I sure could use a diversion.”

“I can’t do that! Of course I’d have to pay you.”

“You’d be doing me as much of a favor as I’d be doing you. Plus, I might be a little rusty since I haven’t worked in a while.”